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Gov. wants $2 million for teacher training

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott is pledging $2 million for a professional grant program that will help train teachers.

Scott on Thursday promised to seek the money from state legislators as part of his budget request for next year. Legislators would act on the request during their annual session that starts in March.

Scott said he decided to push for the money after meeting with teachers, parents, students and union representatives during September. He said teachers want to be respected and have the tools they need to perform their jobs.

The $2 million sought by Scott will be a competitive grant program matched with local and private money.

The governor's office did not say how many teachers would qualify for the grant program or how the money would be awarded.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A Rochester Institute of Technology alumnus with a billion-dollar company announced Wednesday he is giving his alma mater $50 million. It’s the largest donation the private New York college has ever received.